It's almost time to say goodbye farewell to our new runners completing their Couch to 5K programme. 1 week left.
To applaud them for completing their 5km run is worthy, their endorphins will be kicking, the feeling of well done coursing through their body, their soul ! They are deserving of every bit of praise.
But stop a moment, to applaud them, not for their finishing, but for their courage in starting... that took a type of guts and bravery a lot of athletes have forgotten.
An Athlete tends to look forward to the next race, the next event, they build up training to improving times or distances, or both !
Every so often, it's appropriate to look back and recognise that we all started from somewhere, and recognise too, what it is like NOT to be able to run, jog, or climb a hill without being out of breath and feeling despondent for lack of ability.
But it's not lack of ability !
And therein is the lesson for everybody, newbie, novice or experienced alike.
Through the 5km mentoring programme, there is one question as a coach I never ask ?
How Old/Young are you ?
Because, in truth it doesn't matter.
Privately, it matters to the person yes. To the athlete in the making. It's normally dressed up as - "Sure, I'm too old for this" ...it's never "I'm too young"
But in case of ability - it does not. What matters is a person can learn, that slowly and over time, they are capable. They build self-belief and self-confidence. The final 5km is not a race, it is a statement that says 'I can do it' ' I have done it' 'I have achieved' 'I am an Athlete'.
In our group, in any group, Some are more capable than others, that is both obvious and natural.
But as an individual, the only competition one faces in running, is oneself.
Sometimes, the only help needed is that gentle hand or soft word that says - Go on - Well done you !
You're off the couch !
As a coach or mentor, We encourage. We advise. We guide. But, it's the Athlete who does the learning.
Our next job, is to convince them to keep at it, reinforce the fitness level they have achieved, join the club, and;
Stay off the couch !
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